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News
• Yar'Adua identifies root cause of nation's under-development
• Christ Embassy unveils ReachOut Nigeria, Thursday
• Govt sacks residents of Imo parliamentary quarters  
• Constituency delimitation: Ideato leaders reject Rep member
• PTDF targets 70 per cent of Nigeria 's manpower needs
• Money bags blamed for nation's political crisis
• Stop parading yourself as monarch, Daniel warns Ijoko community leader
• Native doctor killed by angry youths 
• Rep member empowers 1,000 Ebonyi youths
• ‘Abscond from duty, lose your job’
• 20 killed in communal clash 
• Human trafficking uncheckable in Nigeria –Monarch
• 1,000 illegal structures demolished
• Commuters poised for war over 'Okada' helmets 
• Women empowerment gets boost
• Educationist wants children of public servants banned from private aschools
• Govt move against fresh outbreak of Bird flu

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Teamwork tips to make you an MVP at work

By Doug White

WHETHER you're on the playing field or huddled with coworkers in a pivotal meeting at the office, this old maxim holds true: There is no "I" in team.

Robert Half International recently asked senior executives to name the most critical characteristic of being a team player. Forty percent of respondents said "meeting deadlines" is vital to team play, while 25 percent believed avoiding office politics is of the utmost importance. "Is pleasant to work with" (20 percent) and "supports his or her manager" (13 percent) rounded out the list.

Become your office's Most Valuable Player (MVP) by keeping the following teamwork-related tips in mind.
Keep your eye on the ball.

Scrambling to wrap up your part of a group project as the clock winds down hurts both your team and your professional reputation. If you've been called for "delay of game" because of blown deadlines, it's time to develop a new strategy. Help yourself and your colleagues by identifying and prioritizing your most pressing demands each day. Then, avoid the urge to multitask and focus on tackling the assignments that have the biggest impact on team initiatives and the bottom line.

Punt the politics.
Gossip exists in nearly every workplace. But that doesn't mean you have to play the game. Rise above the fray by avoiding the rumormongers at the water cooler. While it can be beneficial to be aware of the political undercurrents at your organization, skip the mudslinging sessions in favor of open communication, respect and diplomacy.
Don't get into the blame game.

Nobody likes a Monday morning quarterback. If a colleague makes a mistake that affects the entire team, don't jump on the bandwagon. Instead, put your energy into helping correct the problem so that everyone can move forward. Moreover, when you fumble, be accountable for your actions and own up to the error.
Share the glory.

Play fair and give credit where it is due. If your manager singles you out for stellar work on a project, be sure to offer public kudos to those who helped you. There's no better way to build rapport, foster goodwill and gain allies than by honoring the unsung heroes in your group.

Finally, be willing to take one for the team. Whenever your schedule allows, score points by pitching in to assist overworked coworkers. By maintaining a can-do attitude and consistently going the extra mile for your teammates when they are being blitzed, you'll ensure there is no shortage of helping hands available when you need backup.